Bus laneNew Zealand
11. Bus lane
A bus lane is a traffic lane reserved primarily for buses or other authorised public-transport vehicles. It is intended to improve the reliability and flow of public transport by allowing authorised vehicles to avoid general traffic congestion.
Other road users, such as taxis, cyclists, motorcycles or vehicles carrying several occupants, may also be permitted when signs expressly allow them. The operating hours, permitted vehicles, direction of travel and rules for entering or crossing the lane depend on local traffic signs and regulations.
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Which vehicles may use a bus lane in New Zealand?
New Zealand distinguishes a bus lane from a bus-only lane. Read the lane’s signs, markings, permitted users and any stated operating period.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — bus-lane
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZTA — bus-lane and bus-only-lane legal definitions
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZTA — special-lane access minimum necessary distance, maximum50m
May bicycles and motorcycles use a bus lane in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, an ordinary bus lane can be used by cycles, mopeds and motorcycles unless the signs or markings specifically exclude them. A bus-only lane is reserved for buses. Read the exact lane designation and operating conditions; permission to use an ordinary bus lane does not authorise entry to a bus-only lane.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — bus-lane
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZTA — bus-lane and bus-only-lane legal definitions
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZTA — special-lane access minimum necessary distance, maximum50m
Does bus-lane access also allow stopping or parking in New Zealand?
The Road Code permits necessary use of a special-vehicle lane for specified access or turning purposes for no more than 50 metres, subject to its conditions. That permission is not a general right to travel in or park in the lane.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — bus-lane
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZTA — bus-lane and bus-only-lane legal definitions
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZTA — special-lane access minimum necessary distance, maximum50m

Traffic rules
New Zealand